Took over William Morrison Supermarkets, which is named for his father, in 1952; became chairman in 1956. Since then has built the chain into one of the largest grocers in Britain, with sales of $24 billion in 2006. In 2004, after a protracted six-way bidding war, emerged victorious in takeover bid for rival Safeway supermarkets, paying $5 billion in stock and cash. Now selling shares, propelling rumors he may be trying to unload his 10% stake in Morrisons.